PRAY FOR BHUTAN
– For Christian converts, that they may be protected from discrimination.
– That believers will be able to meet without interference.
– For the comfort of believers who have been rejected from their families.
“Now, I don’t want to live a worldly life, and I want to repent from my old life. Thank you for opening my eyes and heart to see the Lord."
– Pratik Bhujel*
Country
Profile
- Region
- Asia
- Sources of persecution
- Religious Nationalism
- Population
- 796,000
- Christian population
- 19,500
- Religions
- Buddhism
- Leader
- King Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck
- Score
- 68
What’s Life Like For Christians?
Bhutanese citizens are expected to follow Buddhism. Despite the government claiming that there is no need for religious organisations to be registered, none of the churches are recognised by authorities. This means that all Christian worship gatherings are illegal.
Christians who have converted from Buddhism are kept under strict surveillance and suspicion by their surrounding community, and their local Buddhist leaders and family will likely try to bring them back to their former religion.
Local leaders refuse to issue Christians with citizenship or valid paperwork inhibiting their ability to conduct business, own real estate, or receive a higher education. Meanwhile, Evangelical and Pentecostal communities are at risk of surveillance and raids by the authorities, resulting in no freedom of worship.
Informal Christian groups can mostly meet freely, as long as they do not attract too much attention, evangelise publicly, or challenge the status quo.
Who Is Most Vulnerable To Persecution?
Christians who convert from Buddhism are the most at risk of persecution in Bhutan. Female converts are often faced with domestic abuse, and due to social pressures, are forced to stay with their husbands despite the danger.
Isolation and rejection is common for Christians, not only from family and community by being disowned or losing inheritance, but also in the workplace. When male converts lose their jobs due to their faith, their entire family suffers form the economic loss.
What Does Open Doors Do To Help?
Open Doors works through local partners to strengthen persecuted Christians in Bhutan through prayer support and other practical aid.
